1 week itinerary for Zanzibar
Zanzibar, an idyllic island off the coast of Tanzania, is a true traveller’s paradise. With its pristine beaches, rich culture and unique architecture, Zanzibar offers a truly unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or a blend of both, following this 1 week itinerary for Zanzibar is the perfect way to explore this captivating island and make the most of your time.
One week in Zanzibar can give you a taste of everything the island has to offer, while also allowing you to relax and enjoy its unique culture and natural beauty. As someone who lived in Zanzibar, i’ll provide you with a decent itinerary to get a good taste of the are. Heres what to expect:
- Day 1: Arrive in Zanzibar
- Day 2: Stone Town Tour
- Day 3: Spice Tour and Jozani Forest
- Day 4: Beach Day
- Day 5: Mnemba Island Day Trip
- Day 6: Safari Blue Tour
- Day 7: Relax and Depart Zanzibar
Use this itinerary as is or mix and match the days or tours to make it a perfect trip for you, depending what you want to see or do.
So, pack your bags, get ready for an unforgettable trip, and learn about all of the amazing things to do and places to visit in Zanzibar.
Plan your trip?
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Day 1: Arrive in Zanzibar
Spend the afternoon settling in and enjoying the facilities of your hotel, enjoy a spa treatment and unwind from the flight in, or relax by the pool or at the beach. In the evening, head out to get your first taste of the nightlife of Zanzibar.
The island has a decent nightlife scene, with bars and nightclubs playing local and international music. If you want to keep things tame your first night here, you can enjoy a cocktail while taking in the ocean views at any one of the cosy rooftop bars or beachside lounges.
You might like to head to the Forodhani Night Market, located along the waterfront for an easy dinner. Here you will come across a mouthwatering array of local street food, from grilled seafood to Zanzibari pizzas. Afterwards, head back to your hotel and get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 2: Stone Town Tour
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then head out to explore Stone Town, the historical and cultural heart of Zanzibar. I’d recommend taking a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide who will show you all the highlights:
The Sultan’s Palace
Originally built in the late 19th century as the official residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar, it stands as a testament to the island’s historical significance as a trade hub and a melting pot of cultures.
You’ll be able to see a mixture of architectural styles blending Arabian, Indian and European influences, and see a collection of artifacts, royal regalia and displays at the museum.
The Old Fort
The Old Fort of Zanzibar dates back to the 17th century and was originally built by the Omanis to protect the island from invasions. The once imposing fort with bastions and coral stone walls has been transformed into a cultural centre, with various events like live music performances and festivals, as well as craft markets.
The inner courtyard is surrounded by little shops where you can pick up local crafts, artwork or souvenirs.
Darajani Market
No Stone Town tour is complete without visiting the marketplaces. One of the most popular is the Darajani Market, filled with the aroma of exotic spices, the vibrant colours of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the sounds of locals bartering.
While you might not need to pick up any food, there are handmade crafts and intricate textiles available for you to look at and purchase if you want to take something home to mum and dad.
After lunch, visit the nearby Prison Island, which is home to the Aldabra giant tortoises and has a beautiful beach for relaxing and snorkelling, as the waters are brimming with marine life.
A half-day Prison Island tour is highly recommended for the best experience possible, including insights into the island’s history.
Day 3: Spice Tour and Jozani Forest
Spice Tour
One of Zanzibar’s must-do activities is a spice tour. Zanzibar is known as “Spice Island” for its history of spice cultivation and trade. Take a morning tour of the spice plantations and learn about the uses of the various spices that are grown on the island, as well as the cultivation and harvesting processes.
Zanzibar is known for its production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla, so you’ll be able to smell and taste all of these during the tour.
Jozani Forest
After the spice tour, head to the Jozani Forest, the last remaining sanctuary of the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey (you can take a join spice and Jozani tour). Jozani Forest is a protected area in the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and covers an area of 50 square kilometres.
Watch the red colobus and Sykes monkeys leap from tree to tree and feed on fruit, and see if you can spot the elusive Zanzibar leopard.
Local guides are often trained by the park authorities and can provide insights into the unique ecology, wildlife and conservation efforts.
Day 4: Beach Day
Spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful Zanzibar beaches. You can choose to spend your time relaxing on the sand or take part in any of the various water sports activities on offer, from snorkelling and scuba diving to parasailing.
Some popular Zanzibar beaches to visit include:
Nungwi Beach
Located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It offers views of the Indian Ocean and is dotted with resorts, bars and restaurants. It’s also an ideal spot for snorkelling, diving or deep-sea fishing.
Kendwa Beach
Found right by Nungwi, Kendwa Beach is known for its postcard-perfect beauty. With powdery white sand and calm waters, it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxing. At night, it’s a completely different scene, as this beach is famous for Full Moon Parties, where locals and tourists get together to enjoy music and dance by a bonfire.
Paje Beach
If you want to try kitesurfing, look no further than Paje Beach. Located along the east coast, the beach’s consistent windy conditions offer the perfect opportunity for both beginners and experienced kitesurfers to enjoy some time on the water.
Matemwe Beach
Want some privacy? Head to the northeast coast of Zanzibar to Matemwe Beach, a more secluded beach. This beach has a quiet atmosphere, with swaying palm trees and traditional fishing dhows along the horizon. During low tide, you can explore the coral reef pools.
Day 5: Mnemba Island Day Trip
On your fifth day, head out on a day-long adventure to Mnemba Island, one of the most stunning places to visit in Zanzibar. Known as Mnemba Atoll, this idyllic island is located off the northeast coast of Zanzibar.
It offers a secluded and relaxing escape for travellers looking for a luxurious tropical experience. With only one luxury resort on the entire island, it’s the perfect place for honeymooners or those who want some extra privacy.
The surrounding waters of Mnemba Atoll are a designated marine reserve, protected from fishing and other activities that could harm the fragile ecosystem. The conservation efforts also extend to the island itself, with sustainable tourism practices in place.
The crystal-clear turquoise waters here provide amazing opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming with colourful fish, sea turtles and other sea creatures.
This full-day group tour provides equipment, as well as instruction for snorkelers of all levels, so you won’t have to worry about anything. Upon return to Muyuni Beach, you’ll be provided with a delicious late lunch including fish and rice, a staple in Zanzibar.
Day 6: Safari Blue Tour
One of my favourite day trips in Zanzibar, is the Safari Blue Tour. You hop on a traditional dhow boat and head out on a full-day to the uninhabited islands off the coast of Zanzibar.
You will have the opportunity to snorkel around coral reef and mangroves, and swim alongside tropical fish and sea turtles. On your way to Menai Bay, look for wild dolphins playing in the water before stopping at the islet of Kwale for a delicious seafood lunch on the beach.
It’s more than just an exciting day trip, this tour is an good opportunity to reconnect with nature and learn about the biodiversity of Zanzibar.
Local guides will share insights with you throughout the day, from marine conservation to the traditional practices of the local fishermen.
Day 7: Relax and Depart Zanzibar
As your one-week adventure in Zanzibar comes to an end, get some last-minute relaxation in before you head to the airport.
Depending on how much time you have to spare, you could enjoy a massage or spa treatment offered at your resort, walk along the beach, or pig out in one last local meal.
FAQ
Final Thoughts:
A one-week itinerary to Zanzibar promises an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural experiences and idyllic island vibes.
From exploring the streets of Stone Town, with its historical landmarks and markets, to basking on the gorgeous beaches with crystal-clear waters of Nungwi and Kendwa, Zanzibar offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
I hope you found this itinerary helpful, it’s fairly basic BUT it does give you a good idea of things to see and do during your first visit to Zanzibar. I guarantee you’ll want to come straight back!
Recommended tours in Zanzibar
- Tandem Skydive
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour
- Affordable and Reliable Taxi Services in Zanzibar Island
- Mnemba Island snorkeling and Swimming with Dolphin
- Spice Tour + Stone Town Tour + Prison Island
- Day Safari tour to Selous Game Reserve from Zanzibar
- Dolphin tour, Jozani Forest, Jambiani Kuza Cave, Paje Beach &The Rock restaurent
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour
- Prison island & Walk tour
- 2 Day safari to Mikumi departure from Zanzibar
- Jambiani Village Women at work and play
- Kidichi Kitchen Experience: Traditional Cooking Masterclass
- A Day Trip To Selous Fly From Zanzibar
- Aquana 3 Island Tour/Excursion
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